“THE Santa Clara is a very mature team, physically strong, has a striker (Gonçalo Paciência) who is scoring goals and very fast wingers. And it also has a squad with enough depth so that those who join can help and improve the team. It’s a team with confidence. (…) It will be another difficult game, but, fortunately, we will play at home”, said the coach.
In a press conference, the ‘helmsman’ of the islanders rejected the idea of greater pressure due to the current series of seven games without winning in the championship, remembering the game with FC Porto, in which the team also lost, but, in general, “people were happy” with the good response over the 90 minutes.
“The pressure is always there to win games and points (…) Until the Portuguese Cup game (with Alcochetense) everything was relatively fine, but that heavy defeat against Vitória de Guimarães was very strong. Meanwhile, the other teams are winning and, also for that reason, we look more at the table. But, since the first round we have been doing this, looking for points”, he stressed.
The Dutch coach also commented on the recent elimination from the League Cup, against Sporting, in a game in which the team lost 2-1, but could “have done more”, even in the face of the opponent’s power.
Still on the game in Alvalade, Van der Gaag confirmed that despite the positive performance of goalkeeper Gonçalo Tabuaço, Fran Vieites continues to be the ‘owner’ of the goal and will resume his starting role against Santa Clara.
Vladan Danilovic has recovered from injury and is ready to be called up, while Maxime Dominguez and Yellu Santiago remain out for physical reasons, according to Van der Gaag.
Marítimo, ranked 14th, with eight points, will host Santa Clara, fourth, with 18, on Sunday, starting at 6pm, in Funchal, refereed by Carlos Macedo, from the Braga association.
